OUR PLANS MULTIPLIED

In the beginning, JD adamantly only wanted two children. I thought that four would be perfect. Once we caught God's vision of putting orphans into families, our plan was multiplied by God. We are currently blessed with 12 children; five biological, six adopted and one more waiting in Ethiopia. Our first adoption was from the U.S., the next three were from Liberia, West Africa, and our last two were from Ethiopia. We are supporting our 12th child in Ethiopia after her adoption could not pass court.

Monday, April 30, 2012

BIG Kids, BIG Events


I finally had the opportunity to download JD's pictures to show Gabriel's big event. It happened to fall on the same day as Alei's big event, so they are sharing a BIG event post. (They are good with sharing; they've been doing it all their lives). 


My oldest son swore into the United States Navy a little over a week ago. He was able to go into the department that he wanted and get the job that he was hoping. At this point, he will be leaving for Boot Camp at the end of October and then will be attending training in Florida. While I do believe it is the path he is called to take, it is hard to see him grow up and move away from home for good. My Navy ties are pretty deep at this point - my dad, my husband and my son.


JD was able to swear him in - 


Signing the official paperwork - 



Yesterday, my second oldest turned 18! Not much is radically changing in Alei's life since she is already attending college and working, but she does get to take the little M (for minor) off her name tag at CVS and become a shift manager. 


We had a fun day, but sure didn't get many fun pictures. This is about all I have to show for the day - she was eating her requested cheese-cake. 


We would be feeling pretty old right now if we had stopped at the normal two children, but since we have another nine children that will turn 18 over the next 16 years, we are choosing to continue feeling young (most of the time).

Happy Birthday Alei and Congratulations Gabriel - we are proud of both of you!

 

4 comments:

  1. That is so cool JD swearing Gabriel in & getting to sign the official paperwork.
    And thats funny (to me) that Alei requested cheesecake for her bday. Thats all Abigail ever wants. I have an excellent recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  2. My (only) son says he wants to be in the Army after High School. I'm already scared to death for him. You'll have to give me some pointers on that when the time comes. Fortunately, I've still got about 5 1/2 years before it happens. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Our son has enlisted in the Navy too. He will be going to boot camp in July. He was hoping to go to school in Florida too but he'll be in IL. I wonder if their paths will ever cross.

    ReplyDelete
  4. How great that Dad is signing in Son! My Granddad was Navy ~ and very proud of it :-) Congrats to your son, Gabriel!

    ReplyDelete